Colby College

Colby is committed to the belief that the best preparation for life, and especially for the professions that require specialized study, is a broad acquaintance with human knowledge. The Colby experience is designed to enable students to find and fulfill their own unique potential. It is hoped that students will become critical and imaginative thinkers who are: welcoming of diversity and compassionate toward others; capable of distinguishing fact from opinion; intellectually curious and aesthetically aware; adept at synthesis as well as analysis; broadly educated with depth in some areas; proficient in writing and speaking; familiar with one or more scientific disciplines; knowledgeable about American and other cultures; able to create and enjoy opportunities for lifelong learning; willing to assume leadership roles as students and citizens; prepared to respond flexibly to the changing demands of the world of work; useful to society and happy with themselves.

Colby’s academic program is among the preeminent liberal arts programs in the nation. The Colby experience challenges students to open their minds to new ideas, unfamiliar concepts, and diverse points of view. With 52 majors, 24 departments, 11 programs, and an independent major option, students have the flexibility to set their own course of study. Colby’s singular dedication to undergraduate education and its emphasis on research and project-based learning means that each student can tailor his or her academic program for a unique experience. The strong liberal arts curriculum provides excellent preparation for an unlimited range of career choices and graduate studies while giving students a better understanding of the world and their places in it.

Learning isn’t confined to classrooms at Colby. Activities outside of class are an essential part of students’ intellectual, personal, and creative growth. With more than 100 student organizations, countless leadership opportunities, and a diverse, civic-minded community, Colby students are involved. They learn to embrace opportunities, to see connections in disparate lines of thought, and to regard education as a civic resource as well as a personal achievement.

Quality of place, quality of work, and quality of life are hallmarks of Maine, and Colby adds superlative liberal arts education to the state’s portfolio. Maine offers natural beauty, a spirit of independence, a rich tradition of creative endeavor, and unique access to government, nonprofit, and business institutions. Maine’s people have welcomed Colby students into their communities for almost two centuries, and Colby students respond—through volunteerism, civic engagement, and a lifelong affinity for Maine.

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